Let the Renovating Begin!

The day has finally come. The closing documents were signed. The loan has funded. Now we are on our way to pick up the keys to our new home. There is an overwhelming amount of stuff to do inside and out. Deep breath. Get moved in. Then have some fun!

Enjoying the Spoils...

Fresh Lemon Balm

It is a typical cold, rainy day in the Pacific North West but that didn't stop me from working in the garden this morning. I love seeing all the changes to the plants as time passes, the days grow longer and just a bit warmer.

Some of the perennials have been showing new growth so I could not resist picking some fresh lemon balm for a nice cup of tea for my retreat from the cold. Lemon balm smells so good and made for a nice warm treat for all my hard work.

Confessions of a Spray Paint Hoarder 1.0

Spray paint and I have long been friends. Spray paint has seen my through two homes, my current "homette" and is sure to be by my side as we renovate our ranch. But ever since I discovered DIY blogging, and all of your creative ideas, I have a crazy new fascination with spray paint.

Yesterday I loaded Annie up in a shopping cart and we headed into Lowe's. I beat a path straight through to the paint department and my favorite section...spray paint. I carefully looked at every color, every metal interpretation and every specialty application. I was mesmerized with all the different formulas to suit my every need. 

List in hand I picked up the essentials and then I anxiously grabbed a new paints I have never tried. Can't quite pick out the root of my panic induced shelf clearing except that I liken it to spying the perfect piece of thrift furniture from aisles away and getting that horrible feeling that someone will beat you to it as you push old ladies and babies out of your way to grab it for your own.

Then, as if the spray paint gods were smiling down upon me, I spied a magazine on how to paint ANYTHING at the checkout stand. Only now can I complete my transaction. I choose only to purchase my spray paint in Washington because if you cross the river to Portland they keep spray paint locked behind bars and they require I.D. to purchase it. (Do I look like a gangsta' tagger?) It just ruins the entire experience for me. Could I wait to get home and add my new pretties to my collection, placed ever so carefully, NO! Did I start spray painting right away? Of course I did.

I am considering all sorts of cutting edge spray paint collection display options and vignettes. Vintage cabinet with up lighting? Wine cabinets? Industrial or grocery shelves with little tags? The options are endless.

My theory is that if you use your collection, it is clean, organized and displayed, then you are not a hoarder. If you have to walk over it or sleep on it...you have a problem and should seek treatment. Currently I fall into the former camp but the fumes may eventually take their toll. Only time will tell if I slip into the abyss. Maybe I should consider investing in a respirator.

OPERATION Re-Invigorate Marble Table Lamp

Vintage Marble Base Table Lamp - Before

I find it strange that I am fascinated with lamps and lighting when I tend to work mostly in the dark. When I had my office I NEVER turned on the overhead lights. Well maybe if I had dropped a paper clip and couldn't find it. I operated with a table lamp equipped with a 60 watt bulb. At home it is the same story.  I call it mood lighting.

OPERATION Rescue Mid Century Wood Floor Lamp Part Deax

My "dirtly" lamp has been transformed into an elegant, and be it useful, gift from the vintage Gods. But frankly, I've just been too busy playing with my puppy to post the results.  I was going to take a full lamp shot, akin to the first photos, but the puppy kennel is decidedly in the way so all you get to see is the top for now. OK, honestly I don't want to show too much of my current digs because I haven't done anything here knowing that I was moving soon. I am positive I will choreograph the perfect vignette for photography with just the perfect amount of natural light. In my dreams.

Mid Century Wood Floor Lamp

Wish Fulfilled

I have long wished for a dog who would lay lovingly at my feet while I worked at my desk. Annie Oakley is sleeping with her sweet little head on my foot. I can feel her warmth and her breath. Wish fulfilled.

In love with a puppy named Annie Oakley.

Yesterday we brought home our new puppy. A female yellow Labrador (English) named Annie Oakley.

OPERATION Rescue Mid Century Wood Floor Lamp

While waiting patiently for the house to close I decided to share some projects past and present. As I surveyed the garage I realized I also have quite a few projects future.

MISSION: Without further ado, I would like to introduce you to a recent Craigslist acquisition, a "dirtly" (dirty and homely) mid-century wood floor lamp. This beauty needs to be cleaned up, it was missing the mogul base and shade, and needs to be rewired. No problem.

Help is on the way!

Last night my boyfriend (J) and I learned that we won the "bidding war" for a depressed looking 1979 ranch.  And we couldn't be more happy!